The goal of the Luzerne County Business Development Loan Program is to attract new business to the area, as well as strengthen existing businesses, thereby creating new employment opportunities, generating additional tax revenues and stimulating the overall area economy.

The Business Development Loan Program addresses these goals by providing low interest loans to eligible businesses.

ELIGIBILITY

Business/IDC must demonstrate a positive direct impact on the community in which it is located, on residents of that community, or on the local and/or regional economy.

The applicant must demonstrate a need for assistance through the program, and commit to creating 1 permanent, full time equivalent job for every $35,000 borrowed from the County.

A majority (51% or more) of the jobs must be taken by or made available to persons from low/moderate income families.

Should the Recipient fail to meet job creation requirements within a three year period following preliminary approval, a penalty may be imposed.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

Funding will be provided for:

Land and/or building acquisition

Construction/renovation activities

Purchase of machinery and equipment which is an integral structural fixture of the business

Professional and financial fees.

Funding may also be obtained for working capital by manufacturing firms.

PROGRAM FINANCING

Loan funds are available for eligible businesses at an interest rate of 1½% for terms of 7 or 15 years.

The County may finance up to 50% of the eligible project costs, with a minimum loan amount of $50,000 and a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

Loans under $100,000 will be for a maximum 7 year term. Monthly repayments of principal and interest will be required for the term of the loan.

County funds must be secured by a letter of credit from a financial institution.

FINANCING FOR IDC’S/NON-PROFITS

Non-profit organizations, including Industrial Development Corporations are eligible to participate under the County’s loan program.

Funding requests will be considered for eligible projects that have a funding gap.

For land acquisition deals, the County will consider financing up to 75% of the eligible project costs.

Loan packaging must be utilized on all projects and County funds should serve as the final source of funds to complete a project.

Loan funds are available for eligible projects at an interest rate of 1½% for a term of 20 years.

FEES

A processing fee of 0.5% of the total County funding (not to exceed $1,000) will be required from the applicant. Of this amount, $150 is due at the time of execution of the preliminary approval letter, with the balance due at the loan closing.